LYNN Moore was named Coach of the Year after a fantastic 2009 for the Charnwood Sapphires Netball Club she set up 20 years ago.

LYNN Moore was named Coach of the Year after a fantastic 2009 for the Charnwood Sapphires Netball Club she set up 20 years ago.

They now boast over 200 members at a number of different age levels right up to senior competitions while Lynn herself provides coaching for the club and in schools while also being a talent scout and encouraging others to try out for the likes of Loughborough Lightning.

“I’ve been in netball since I was 18,” beamed the 45-year-old. “And I’ve been coaching since I was in my 20s.

“It’s just something I love doing and I really enjoy being with the Sapphires.”

Elsewhere Alex Laybourne was given the Loughborough University Student Sport Award for his services for rugby for both Loughborough Students and Shepshed RFC.

“It’s a special award,” said the student who is in his fourth year. “I started coaching when I suffered an injury a few years back.

“Under head coach Dave Morris we’re being encouraged to branch out into the community and it’s great working with Shepshed as well as with Loughborough’s BUSA squad.”

The runner-up was Spaniard Idafe Perez who in his three years at the University has been instrumental in setting up and coaching Loughborough University FC’s non-league side which in 08-09 won the Midland Combination Premier Division.